What you need to do to get a replacement Tennessee driver's license
To replace a lost or damaged Tennessee driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. Tennessee does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or damaged licenses — you must appear at a physical location. The process typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was damaged but still readable, you can surrender it at the counter. If it is lost, you will need to report the loss to the Driver Services Center staff when you arrive. Tennessee does not require a separate police report for a lost license, though you may file one if you suspect identity theft.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your current address to replace a lost or damaged license.
- The replacement fee is $27.50 for a standard license and $32.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and payment is cash, check, or card depending on the location.
- Your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at the counter.
- If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the Driver Services Center, valid for 30 days.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as the Driver Services Center will verify it during the replacement process.
Documents and identification you must bring
Tennessee requires at least one form of primary identification and one form of proof of residency. Primary identification includes a valid passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card.
Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within 60 days of your visit. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. A piece of mail from your employer or school also works if it includes your address.
Bring your Social Security number or a document that displays it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. The Driver Services Center will verify this information against state and federal records before issuing your replacement license.
Where to go and how to find your nearest Driver Services Center
Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers across the state, run by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You can find the location nearest you, hours, and current wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended evening or Saturday hours.
You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some Driver Services Centers now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the website for your specific location to see whether appointments are available or whether walk-ins are accepted. During peak times — typically mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays — wait times can exceed 30 minutes.
If you live in a rural area far from a Driver Services Center, some county clerk offices or satellite locations offer limited services. Call ahead to confirm that your nearest location handles license replacements, as some satellite offices only handle renewals or other transactions.
Fees and payment methods
The replacement fee for a standard Tennessee driver's license is $27.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license — which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025 — the fee is $32.50. These fees are set by state law and do not vary by location.
Payment methods vary by Driver Services Center. Most locations accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. Some rural or satellite locations may only accept cash or check. Call your local center before you go if you want to confirm which payment methods they take.
There is no additional fee to request a temporary paper license while you wait for your replacement to arrive by mail. The temporary license is issued at no cost and is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Temporary paper license while you wait for your replacement
When you visit the Driver Services Center to replace your lost or damaged license, you can request a temporary paper license at the same time. This temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid for 30 days. It allows you to drive legally while your permanent replacement license is in the mail.
The temporary license includes your photo, license number, and expiration date. It is smaller than a standard license and is not laminated, so treat it carefully. If you lose the temporary license before your permanent one arrives, you will need to return to a Driver Services Center to request another one.
If your permanent license arrives before the 30-day temporary license expires, the temporary license becomes void. You do not need to return it; straightforward destroy it or keep it for your records.
What happens if your license was damaged in a specific way
If your license was damaged by water, heat, or normal wear and tear, bring it with you to the Driver Services Center. The staff will assess whether it is still readable. If it is, they will take it from you and issue a replacement. If the damage is severe enough that the license number or your photo cannot be read, the center will treat it as a lost license and proceed with the replacement process.
If your license was damaged as a result of a crime — such as theft or vandalism — you can report this to the Driver Services Center staff. They will document it in your file, though this does not change the replacement process or fee. If you suspect identity theft related to the loss or damage, you may file a report with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or your local police department, but this is separate from the license replacement.
Timeline and what to expect after you leave the Driver Services Center
After you complete your visit to the Driver Services Center, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. During this time, you can drive using your temporary paper license if you requested one.
Your new license will arrive in a plain envelope with no return address. It will have a new license number and a new expiration date — typically 5 years from the date of issue for a standard license, or 10 years if you are over 65. Check the expiration date when it arrives to confirm it is correct.
If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied. Have your temporary paper license or process receipt available when you call. The center can check the status of your replacement and reissue it if there was a mail delivery problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services Center to replace a lost or damaged license. You must provide proof of identity and residency and have a new photo taken. Online and mail-in replacements are not available for lost or damaged licenses.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a document from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. You will still need to provide primary identification and proof of residency. Contact your local Driver Services Center before you visit to confirm what alternative documents they will accept.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
No. Tennessee does not require a police report to replace a lost driver's license. However, if you suspect your license was stolen or used fraudulently, you may file a report with your local police department or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. This is separate from the license replacement process.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your new address to the Driver Services Center. Your replacement license will be issued with your current address. If you do not update your address during the replacement process, your new license will still show your old address, and you will need to change it separately later.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to the address on file with the Driver Services Center. It cannot be picked up at the counter or transferred to another person. If you are moving, update your address with the Driver Services Center before you explore for the replacement, or the license will be mailed to your old address.